The Long Arm (1956)

The only film script from regular television and radio writer Robert Barr, The Long Arm is more remniscent of the traditional crime stories than the social-realism that would come to dominate British cinema, and most notably crime films during the 1960s. In particular, the lead character is distinctly middle class with a happy home life and enjoys his work. The script is strong and although rather slow to get started, is very effective providing a strong mystery and some clever twists and turns.

Action fans will not find much to enjoy here as the film is almost entirely dialogue based, but fortunately it is very well written and the film never drags and it does avoid the gratiuitous action scenes that marr many similar films. Barr is very thorough in keeping the plot realistic and avoiding any holes - all of the police deductions are plausible and logical, while the characters are all believable, with some nice details that help to provide atmosphere. The tone is often quite lighthearted although it never descends into comedy and there are a couple of quite poignant moments, made more effective by the very British understatement with which they are presented. Well timed at 90 minutes, it all builds to a suitably thrilling climax made particularly effective by the strong characterisation.

Expirienced Ealing director Charles Frend does a rather straight-forward job although an impressive sequence of a barely concious man's point-of-view of an interview gives the film some flair. Largely set-bound the film looks fine, although the hit-and-run does have some very noticable optical effects. Occasional film composer Gerard Schurmann (The Bedford Incident (1965)) provides a standard orchestral soundtrack.

Jack Hawkins is perfectly cast in the lead role and looks every bit the classic British detective, while being equally good in the domestic scenes. Although there are no big names, a number of familiar faces fill out the rest of the cast, including Ralph Truman, Geoffrey Keen and Sam Kydd and there are generally good performances all round.

Noticably different, and an interesting comparison piece to the better known social-realist British crime movies that followed in 1960s, The Long Arm remains by itself a well written and enjoyable production and comes recommended, particularly to fans of classic British cinema.

All text in this review written by Timothy Young - 7th February 2008.
Text from this review not to be used without authorization.

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